Oakley SI M Frame Alpha - Complete Review (2024)

This one goes to 11! A complete review of the Oakley SI M Frame Alpha Sunglasses so you can decide if they’re right for you!

Background

A few of the people that expressed recent interest in these;
@schnitzeraffe @JOHN Oakley RadarFan @Ventruck @Iridium Fear @Eric Short

I’ve been a fan of theMFramesfor a while now, and I’ve felt that every new iteration of theMFrame(I do not count the M2) has been a step forward in terms of design, fit, utility, comfort (arguable between the 2.0 and 3.0), and other factors. The Oakley Standard Issue Alpha doesn’t disappoint.

Note: This review isnotfor the entire ‘Ecosystem’, which includes theHeloand Halo, only theglasses.

Initial Impressions

When I first unboxed the M Frame Alpha I was a bit surprised at how bulky they looked. The lens does need to double as a goggle lens, but as soon as I set them with my 3.0 pair it was even more evident.

My first impression was overall positive. They feel light on the face, not tight, no movement, great sight lines, atouchshort on the cheeks for me (but it’s hard not to be). From a cursory glance the other night they got the thumbs up.

M Frame Alpha Frame

Weight

Immediately after seeing their size comparison I wanted to get them on the scale and compare them to the 3.0

Ballistic M Frame 3.0weighs in at 29g
BallisticMFrameAlphais a stout 34g!

Referencing my old weight thread, this is on par with a Jawbreaker and a Fandango, not exactly the lightest “sport” pairOakleymakes.
How do they measure up? Weights of some different pairs

Features

Once we start getting into the frame we can see where all that bulk and weight comes from.

First off, these behave less like anMFrameand more like aRadarlock. FINALLY they’ve ditched the goofyclipthat has been a trademark of the Ballistic M line since before the 2.0 debuted. Instead the lens is inserted sideways by way of an angled slot in the lens.

One of Oakley’s more intense lens cuts

And the lenswork is made possible by way of a hinged temple

Overall, lens swaps aren’t difficult. Pop open the hinge, unclip the temple, pull out the lens. Slide the new lens in, line up the switchlock, snap it shut.

The major difference from theRadarlockmechanism is that the Alpha uses a simplerclipover the spring-loaded latch.

And this also shows us a nifty feature – the stems have overtravel stops at thehingesto keep them from contacting the lenses.

Here’s the other temple, which is also sprung into place from theOMatterframe.

And that also shows usMADE IN USA.Not sure why, I just like seeing that on my Oakleys.

The markings on the other stem includeBallisticMFrame, Z87+, and the Alpha logo (which has a certain Metallica feel to it I think).

Regarding the fit of the stems, the fit is all-new for anMFrame. It still relies on arm tension over earsockslike the 3.0, but instead of the entire stem acting as aspringclamponly the end is contoured to give the frame grip, which gives it a softer, looser feel over the 3.0, but still very secure.

Onto the frame and the reason for the size – venting! The frame has a channel above both eye which allows venting of the lens.

Heck, even the nosepiece is vented. It’s worth noting that the trend ofMFramenose pieces continues, this is the hardest nose piece I’ve ever felt, which bodes well as my 3.0 noses are holding up much better than the older generations made of softer rubber.

M Frame Alpha Lenses

The lenses are marked clearly with Z87+, as well as the month and year of manufacture.

The size of the lenses is very comparable to the Agro/Extended Strike of the 3.0. Taller only by way of the center frame hook

And about even on lower and side peripheral.

The Fit

Comparing photos of the fit they’re pretty similar

Conclusion

This pair is VERY feature packed. Definitely the most advanced, purpose-driven pairOakleymakes given that the Ecosystem as a whole includes a variety of lenses, frames, goggles,gaskets, straps, etc. The lenses are anti-fog treated, vented frame, switchlock, etc.

You see, mostglassesgo to 10. You’re at 10, all the way up, all the way up… where can you go from there? Nowhere. But these, these go to 11.

Note: This post was originally posted bymember cacatman, and has been adapted for this article with additional details added. Credit to member cacatman for his amazing review.